
(lass LB> 3 ■ *) 2 

Book C77 R7 



LEADING FACTS 






Oregon School Law 



1906 



AN OUTLINE AND SUMMARY 


ARRANGED FOR 




TEACHERS 




BY 

R. F. ROBINSON 

* * 

Superintendent of Schools 
Multnomah County, Oregon 


/LIBRARY 
3RESS 




: COURT. 




Copy X 


Published by the 

SCHOOL AND HOME PUBLISHING CO. 

Portland, Ore. 

[Copyright 1906, R. F. Robinson] 





LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

JUL 2 1906 

oyright Entry / 







PREFACE. 

This little book presents an outline and summary of the leading 
facts of the Oregon School Laws. The facts most closely related have 
been grouped and stated in language freed as nearly as practicable 
from legal phraseology and terms. Wherever the law seemed merely 
for the guidance of some officer or board, and of a directory nature, the 
summary has been made quite brief and so arranged that the student 
can easily follow the general plan. Wherever the' law treats of matters 
of general public interest, the treatment has been more exhaustive. 
Practically all of the essential points have been included. Teachers 
will find the arrangement helpful in gaining a working knowledge of 
the statutes governing our state system of education. 

R. F. ROBINSON. 
Portland, Oregon, June 1, 1906. 



STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

The State Superintendent of Public Instruction is elected every 
four years. He takes office on the second Monday in January follow- 
ing election in June. Has office at State Capitol — office expenses sup- 
plied by state.. He receives an annual salary of $3,000 and is allowed 
traveling expenses to the amount of $900 a year. 

Principal Duties. 

1. Exercise general supervision over county and district school 
officers. 

2. Visit counties in interest of education annually, if practicable. 

3. Attend county institutes in state and educational meetings out 
of state when practicable. 

4. Assist in organizing and developing county institute work; visit 
principal schools when practicable; keep statistics. 

5. Visit chartered educational institutions and secure statistics. 

6. Prepare and distribute to county superintendents uniform 
blanks, registers, forms, rules and regulations. 

7. Act as secretary of State Board of Education; annotate and 
compile school laws. 

8. Issue printed letters and circulars to school officers relative to 
the duties of teachers, directors, pupils, parents and guardians, man- 
agements of schools, and other matters of educational interest. 

9. Decide appeals from county superintendents. 

10. Cause to be held annual meetings of state teachers' association. 

11. Report to the legislative assembly biennially. 

12. Prepare questions for uniform eighth grade examinations. 

13. Act as member Oregon Library Commission. 

14. Prepare course of study for the two years of high school — 
required work. 

15. Advise with boards regarding course in high schools — two 
years optional work. 

16. To prepare Arbor Day Circular. 

17. Visit Reform School biennially and inspect the literary work 
therein. 

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. 

Regular Boards. 

1. State Board of Education — Governor, Secretary of State, Super- 
intendent of Public Instruction. 

2. State Board of Examiners — Not less than five nor more than 
nine professional teachers appointed by the State Board of Education. 

5 



3. State Board of Text-Book Commissioners — Five citizens se- 
lected by the Governor. 

4. County Board of Examiners — County School Superintendent 
and two competent persons appointed by him. 

5. Eighth Grade Examining Board — County School Superintend- 
ent and four persons appointed by him. 

6. District Boundary Board — County Judge, County Commission- 
ers, County School Superintendent. (If any county has three com- 
missioners, the judge is not a member.) 

7. District School Boards — Three qualified electors chosen by the 
voters of the school district. (In districts of the first-class, the board 
consists of five members.) 

8. State Library Commission — Governor, Superintendent of Pub- 
lic Instruction, President State University, Librarian Portland Library 
Association, and one person appointed by the Governor. 

9. Board of Inspectors of Child Labor — Five persons appointed 
by the Governor. 

Special Boards. 

1. Board of Arbitrators — County School Superintendent and one 
person from each district concerned, chosen by the respective school 
boards. 

2. County High School Board — County Judge, County Commis- 
sioners, County Treasurer, County School Superintendent. 

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION. 

Meetings. 

Legal requirements, semi-annually; rule of board, monthly. 

Powers. 

1. Authorize the use of text books which have been adopted by 
the State Text Book Commissioners. 

2. Prepare state course of studies for grammar schools. 

3. Prescribe a series of rules and regulations for the general gov- 
ernment and discipline of public schools. 

4. Use a common seal. 

5. Order necessary printing. 

6. Grant state certificates and diplomas, also State Life Diplomas 
in certain cases. (See notes under "Normal Schools.") 

7. Draw warrants on State Treasurer to pay state examiners out 
of state examiners' fund. 

8. Appoint State Board of Examiners. 

9. Grant state permits and certificates to teach special subjects. 

10. Prepare questions for county examinations. 

11. Revoke certificates and diplomas on proof submitted by County 
Board of Examiners that the holder has been guilty of gross negli- 
gence, or incompetency or immorality, rendering him unfit to be a 
teacher. 

6 



12. Publish proceedings of board meetings and names of success- 
ful applicants and certificates granted. 

13. The members of the State Board of Education are ex officio 
members of the managing boards of the State Normal Schools at 
Monmouth, Drain and Ashland, also State Agricultural College. 

14. They constitute the managing board for the Oregon School for 
the Deaf and Institute for the Blind. 

COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. 

Term — Four years, commencing first Monday in August following 
election. 

Qualifications — Must have taught in Oregon at least nine school 
months and must hold a first-grade certificate or an Oregon state 
certificate or diploma. 

Salary — Fixed by law and varies in different counties. 

Vacancy — In case of vacancy in the office of County Superintendent, 
the County Court shall appoint a successor. 

Principal Duties. 

1. Serve as a member and secretary of the District Boundary 
Board. 

2. Apportion school funds on first Monday in October and at such 
other times as he may deem advisable. 

3. Keep an account with County Treasurer. 

4. Serve as member and chairman of County Board of Examiners 
and Eighth Grade Examining Board. 

5. Grant temporary certificates. 

G. Register state certificates and state diplomas. 

7. Hear and decide appeals. 

8. Conduct local and county institutes. 

. 9. Report to State Superintendent by fourth Monday in July of 
each year. 

10. Enforce course of study for county schools. 

11. Keep record of all persons under contract to teach in his 
county. 

12. Visit schools taught in his county at least once each year (twice 
in counties with over 20,000 children), and seek to aid, instruct and 
inspire teachers to employ the best methods in teaching, governing 
and conducting their schools. He shall secure the proper classification 
of pupils. 

13. He shall study to awaken among parents and children a deeper 
interest in the public schools, so as to secure improved attendance, 
deportment and scholarship of pupils. 

In counties having over 20.000 school children, he shall require 
monthly reports from teachers. 

14. Advise and consult with boards relative to the construction, 
warming, ventilation and arrangement of school houses; the improv- 



ing and adorning of grounds; methods, of instruction and discipline in 
school; condition of school house sites, school houses, and outbuild- 
ings. 

15. Apportion county library fund and assist school boards in 
making selections of books. 

16. Keep a record of all books purchased and distributed by him. 

17. Appoint a librarian who shall receive and care for books and 
loan them in accordance with rules of State Library Commission. 

18. Publish notice of teachers' examinations and file examination 
papers and keep them for one year. 

19. Submit questions to applicants for state certificates or diplo- 
mas, conduct examination, forward manuscripts to Superintendent 
of Public Instruction. 

COUNTY BOARD OF EXAMINERS. 

The County Board of Examiners is composed of the County Su- 
perintendent, who is ex officio chairman, and two competent persons 
appointed by him. Two constitute a quorum. 

Compensation. 

Each member, except the County Superintendent, shall receive 
$3 per day for the time actually employed in conducting the services 
provided by law. 

Issue Certificates. 

1. Hold county examinations, commencing at 9 o'clock a. m. on 
the second Wednesday of February and August, and continuing three 
days, using questions prepared by the State Board of Education, ten 
days' notice having been published by the County Superintendent. 

2. Issue certificates to all applicants who are found to possess a 
good moral character, requisite scholarship and ability to teach and 
govern successfully. 

Revoke Certificates. 

1. Revoke such certificates on proof that the holder thereof has 
been guilty of gross negligence of duty or for incompetency or 
immorality. 

2. If the certificate or diploma subject to revocation was granted 
by any other authority, the county board of examiners shall report to 
such authority the fact that such certificate or diploma should be 
revoked, giving its reason therefor. 

3. Before the board of examiners revoke a certificate or diploma 
or notify the granting authority that such should be revoked, they 
shall give the accused due notice of the nature of the charges pre- 
ferred, and an opportunity to be heard before such board in person 
and by counsel. The rights of the accused are equally guarded when 
charges are being heard by the State Board of Education. Provision 
is made, however, that no evidence shall be considered by said State 
Board other than that produced before the county board of examiners. 

8 



CERTIFICATION OF TEACHERS. 

Teachers' certificates may be classified in four groups: 

I. Those issued by the State Board of • Education — State Diploma, 

State Certificate, State Permit, Certificates for Special Subjects, 
State Life Diploma, in special cases. 

II. Those issued by County Board of Examiners — County first, second, 

third and primary. 

III. Those issued by Districts of the first class. 

IV. Temporary certificates issued by the County Superintendent. 

State Diploma. 

Scope — Life paper, good any place in state. 

Requirements: 

Age — Minimum age, 21. 

Experience — Sixty months successful experience, fifteen of which 
shall be in Oregon. 

Character — Good moral character. 

Scholarship — On questions prepared by the State Board of Exam- 
iners, the applicant must make an average of 85 per cent, and not fall 
below 70 per cent, in any of the following studies: Botany, plane geom- 
etry, general history, English literature, and all studies required for a 
State Certificate. 

Registration — Must be registered by County Superintendent in 
county where employed before commencing to teach, otherwise salary 
warrant cannot be legally drawn. 

Fee — $6.00, to be credited to State Examiners' Fund. 

State Certificate. 

Scope — Five-year paper, good any place in state. 

Requirements: 

Age — Minimum age, 21. 

Experience — Thirty months (or its legal equivalent), nine ofwhichi 
shall be in Oregon. 

Character — Good moral character. 

Scholarship — On questions prepared by the State Board of" Exam- 
iners, the applicant must write an average of 85 per cent, and not fall': 
below 70 per cent, in any of the following studies: Algebra, book- 
keeping, composition, physical geography, physics, psychology, and 
all subjects required for a first-grade county certificate. 

Registration — Must be registered by County Superintendent in 
county where employed before engaging to teach, otherwise- sal'arv 
warrant can not be legally drawn. 

Fee — $4.00, to be credited to State Examiners' Fund. 

Papers From Other States. 

Authenticated papers from other states of like grade and kind" as- 
those granted in this state may be recognized by the State Board of' 
Education and state certificates or diplomas given thereon: without 



examination, if the State Board of Education is satisfied that said 
papers were secured by passing an examination equivalent to that 
given for state papers in this state. The State Board of Education has 
ruled that a faculty examination is not "an equivalent examination." 

State Permits. 

The State Board of Education may grant state permits for one 
year to applicants presenting acceptable papers from other states but 
who have not had the requisite teaching experience, in Oregon to 
secure a state paper. Applicants must possess all requirements for a 
state certificate except the Oregon experience. 

Certificates for Special Subjects. 

Upon the application of any board of directors, and, having satis- 
factory evidence of the applicant's fitness to teach the subject named 
in the certificate, the State Board of Education may issue certificates 
to teachers in music; languages other than English; drawing and 
painting; manual training and penmanship. These certificates shall 
entitle the holder thereof to teach the subject therein named in any 
public school of the district under the control of said board of direct- 
ors. 

Percentages Credited. 

Applicants for state papers who shall attain required percentages 
in one or more branches, but shall fail in others, shall be credited with 
such required percentages and shall be allowed to complete the exam- 
inations in the remaining branches at the two following examinations 
and shall then receive state certificate or diploma in accordance with 
the result of all the examinations. Holders of state certificates may 
complete the examination for state diploma in any two successive 
examinations during life of certificate. 

Revocation. 

The State Board of Education may revoke any certificate or 
diploma granted by it on proof presented by a County Board of Ex- 
aminers that the holder has been guilty of gross negligence or incom- 
petency or immorality rendering him unfit to be a teacher. Accused 
shall have due and reasonable notice of the nature of the charges, 
shall have opportunity to be heard in person and by counsel, and to 
produce witnesses. 

Equivalents to Teaching Experience. 

The following diplomas shall be considered equivalent to the 
teaching experience required for a state certificate: 

1. Diplomas from the regular State Normal Schools. 

2. Diplomas from any Normal Schools in the state having all 
requirements equal to the best Oregon State Normals. 

10 



3. Diplomas from chartered institutions of this state of collegiate 
or university grade, granted upon the completion of a course of at 
least five years' work above the eighth grade, twenty recitations a 
week and thirty-two weeks per year. 

The State Board of Education is made the judge of the quality 
of these schools. 

County First Grade. 

Scope — Three-year paper, good in county where issued. Good in 
any other county in state when endorsed by County Superintendent 
of county where teacher is employed. 

Requirements: 

Age — Minimum age, 18. 

Experience — Twelve school months, with approved success. 

Character — Good moral character. 

Scholarship — On questions prepared by State Board of Education 
the applicant must make an average of 90 per cent, and not fall below 
70 per cent, in any one of the following named branches: Orthography, 
reading, writing, mental arithmetic, written arithmetic, English gram- 
mar, geography, United States history, theory of teaching, physiology 
and hygiene, civil government, and Oregon School Law. 

Fee — $2.00, to be paid on the first day of examination, and cred- 
ited to the county institute fund. 

Exemptions — When applicant has on two successive examinations 
received 90 per cent, or more in one or more branches, said applicant 
may at the next examination thereafter be excused from examination 
upon such branches and be credited with the standing so earned. 

Endorsement — A first-grade certificate from another county be- 
comes a valid certificate when endorsed by the County Superintendent 
having jurisdiction over the school in which the holder may be em- 
ployed. The date of endorsement must be written on the back of the 
certificate and registered in a book provided for that purpose. 

Registration Fee — A fee of $1.00 shall be required for each regis- 
tration, which is paid by the County Superintendent to the County 
Treasurer, and credited to the county institute fund. The same is true 
of state papers. 

County Second Grade. 

Scope — Two-year paper, good in county where issued. 

Requirements: 

Age — Minimum age, 18. 

Experience — Three months, with ability and success. 

Character — Good moral character. 

Scholarship — On the same questions as are given for a. county first, 
an applicant is required to make an average of 80 per. cent, and not 
fall below 60 per cent, in any one branch. 

Fee — $2.00, collected and credited as stated under first-grade cer- 
tificate. 

11 



Issuance Limited — A second-grade certificate can not be renewed, 
nor shall any person be entitled to receive more than one in any one 
county. Provision is made, however, that more than one may be 
issued to the same person at a public examination if such person has 
not had enough experience to get a first-grade certificate. 

County Third Grade. 

Scope — One-year paper, good in county where issued. 

Requirements: 

Age — Minimum age, 18. 

Experience — None required. 

Character — Good moral character. 

Scholarship — On the same questions as are given for a county 
first, an applicant is required to make an average of 80 per cent, and 
not fall below 60 per cent, in any one branch. 

Fee — $2.00, collected and credited as stated under first-grade cer- 
tificate. 

Issuance Limited — A third-grade certificate can not be renewed, 
nor shall any person be entitled to receive more than one in any one 
county. Provision is made here, also, that more than one may be 
issued to the same person at the regular examinations if such person 
has not had the requisite experience for a second-grade certificate. 

County Primary. 

Scope — Three-year paper, good in county where issued. Holder 
cannot teach in any grade above the third, nor in other than a graded 
school, as an assistant teacher. 

Requirements: 

Age — Minimum age, 18. 

Experience — Twelve months, with approved success. 

Character — Good moral character. 

Scholarship — On questions prepared by the State Board of Edu- 
cation, an applicant is required to make an average of 85 per cent, 
and not fall below 70 per cent, in any one of the following named 
branches: Orthography, reading, writing, arithmetic, physiology, the- 
ory of teaching, art of questioning and methods. 

In counties having over 20,000 school children, an applicant must 
also take examination in geography. 

Fee — $2.00, collected and credited as stated under first-grade cer- 
tificate. 

III. Certificates Issued — Districts First Class. 

Districts of the first class are required to create a board of exam- 
iners. Such districts hold a city examination and issue city certificates. 
They make their own rules, in regard to the scope and requirements. 
Their certificates are not good outside the district where issued. 
Cities, by courtesy, generally accept and endorse certificates issued 
in other cities. 

12 



IV. Temporary Certificates or Permit. 

Scope — Good in county where issued until the next county exam- 
ination held in county. 

Requirements: 

Age and character same as for other county certificates. No expe- 
rience required. 

Scholarship — Must take a written examination equivalent to a 
third-grade certificate or present a valid certificate from some other 
Oregon county or from some other state; also testimonials of good 
moral character and success as a teacher. 

Fee — $2.50, to be credited to county institute fund. 

Issuance Limited — A teacher cannot legally receive more than 
two temporary certificates in any one county. An applicant who 
failed at the last public examination in any county is barred by law 
from receiving temporary certificate in. any county. 

State Grades Accepted. 

A county board of examiners may accept in lieu of an examina- 
tion on any branch for a county certificate or permit, any grade, certi- 
fied to by the Superintendent of Public Instruction that an applicant 
may have received from the State Board of Education during the 
eighteen months immediately preceding such acceptance. No grade 
shall be accepted less than that prescribed for the county certificate 
for which application is made. 



SCHOOL DISTRICTS. 

For public school purposes, each county in the state is divided 
into convenient subdivisions, known as school districts. The terri- 
tory composing a district must be contiguous. These districts are 
bodies corporate, can sue and be sued. 

Where the public good requires it, districts are formed of adja- 
cent territory lying in two or more counties. They are designated 
joint districts and the clerk reports annually to each superintendent 
having jurisdiction such data in regard to registration and attendance 
as may originate in each county. 

Certificate received in either county is valid if teacher presents 
it for record in the other- county. 

How Classified. 

School districts shall be classified and known as first class, second 
class, and third class. The classification is determined by the number 
of children of school age as shown by the last school census, as fol- 
lows: 

First Class — 1,000 or more. 

Second Class — More than 200 and less than 1,000. 

Third Class — Less than 200. 

13 



Officers. 

The officers of a district of the first class shall consist of five 
directors and one clerk; in districts of the second and third class, 
three directors and a clerk. In all cases they shall be elected by ballot 
and must be legal voters in the district electing them. Their term 
begins on the day of election. They must qualify before assuming 
the duties of their office by taking the usual oath of office. They serve 
until their successors are elected and qualified. 



DISTRICT BOUNDARY BOARD. 

The district boundary board is composed of the County Judge, 
County Commissioners and County School Superintendent. The for- 
mer is chairman and the latter secretary, ex officio. 

The Superintendent and two other members constitute a quorum. 

Duties. 

1. Lay off county into school districts and change the boundaries 
thereof when petitioned so to do. 

2. May establish new districts on petition of three legal voters of 
the proposed new district and may, at its discretion, upon petition of 
three or more legal voters, change or divide the districts. 

New Districts — Plan of Procedure. 

1. Get up petition addressed to district boundary board, describ- 
ing the proposed boundaries. Have it signed by at least three inter- 
ested parties within the boundaries prescribed. Send it to the County 
Superintendent. 

2. The County Superintendent will cause three notices to be 
posted in the proposed district at least ten days before action, giving 
a description of the boundaries and the session of the board when such 
petition will be heard. 

3. If the petition receives favorable consideration by the bound- 
ary board, the County Superintendent shall notify in writing three 
petitioners in said new district, giving the number and the boundaries 
thereof. 

4. The taxable inhabitants receiving the notice from the County 
Superintendent, shall immediately write and post up three notices 
asking the citizens thereof to assemble at a place specified for the 
purpose of organizing such district and electing three directors and 
a clerk. 

5. The meeting organizes by appointing a chairman and secretary. 
They then elect by ballot three directors and a clerk, to hold office 
until the annual school meeting. 

6. These officers qualify by taking the oath of office and the clerk 
gives a bond. Oath administered by the chairman of the meeting 
or any one selected by him. 

14 



7. At first regular election, there shall be elected by ballot three 
directors, for one, two, and three years respectively, and the ballot 
shall specify the term for which each is elected. 

Number Children to Organize and to Continue. 

To be organized, a district must have at least ten children of 
school age. 

To continue to be a legal organization, a district must have at 
least six children of school age. 

Districts — Change in Boundary. 

If changes are desired in the boundaries of existing districts, a 
petition is prepared. It must be signed by at least three interested 
parties and sent to the district boundary board. 

The board has discretionary power. The law requires ten days' 
notice to be given before the boundary board considers the petition. 
If the petition is granted and changes are made, the Superintendent is 
required to notify all boards concerned. If the district to be changed 
is a joint district, the petition shall be acted upon first by the bound- 
ary board of the county in which lies the greater part of the district. 

Must Report. 

If districts do not report to the County Superintendent by the 
second Monday of July in each year, or if they have not had a school 
taught in their district of at least three months, they shall not be 
entitled to receive their proportion of the common school fund. New 
districts are not required to have a school taught for one year. 

Changed Districts — Government — Property. 

When changes are made in district boundaries, the existing board 
shall act until the other portion is so organized that another board 
gains jurisdiction. 

These changes often affect property interests, also. Each part 
of the district has rights that must be protected. The law provides 
that the respective boards of directors of all the districts concerned 
shall immediately make an equitable division of the then existing 
assets and liabilities between the old and the new districts or between 
the districts affected by the change. 

If they fail to agree within ten days, a board of arbitrators shall 
be appointed. 

BOARD OF ARBITRATORS. 

The board of arbitrators consists of the County Superintendent, 
who is ex officio chairman, and two others chosen by the directors oi 
the districts concerned. 

The board of arbitrators shall determine how the property inter- 
ests shall be divided. Their decision shall be final, except that it ma)' 

15 



be reviewed by a writ of review, as other inferior tribunals are 
reviewed. 

In determining the assets, school property shall be estimated at 
its present cash value. The assets and liabilities shall be divided 
between the districts in proportion to the last assessed value. The 
district retaining the realty shall pay the other district or districts 
concerned such sum as may be determined according to law. The 
subsequent apportionments made by the County Superintendent are 
to be made according to the number of children of school age in each 
district as shown by the clerk's last annual report. 

Compensation. 

Each member of board except the County Superintendent shall 
receive $2 per day for each day's service, and necessary traveling 
expenses, which amount shall be equally apportioned among the sev- 
eral districts concerned. 

Right of Eminent Domain. 

When land is needed for school purposes, and the district author- 
ities are unable to agree on a price with the holders thereof, the dis- 
trict boundary board on written request of the board of directors, may 
bring suit in the Circuit Court to condemn the property. The District 
Attorney is required to act as attorney for boundary board. 

SCHOOL MEETINGS. 

The school- voters of each district shall meet once each year, 
which meeting shall be known as the annual meeting. The annual 
meeting is held on the third Monday in June. Special meetings may 
be held as the interests of the district shall require. 

How Called. 

All school meetings must be convened by a written call stating 
the objects of the meeting, signed by the chairman of the board and 
the clerk, or by a majority of the board. These notices shall be 
posted in three public places in the district at least ten days before 
the day appointed for the meeting. If meeting is to consider the 
introduction of grades above the eighth, the establishment of a high 
school, or the bonding of a district, twenty days' notice is required. 

Chairman of Meeting. 

The director who has served the longest time as such (since his 
last election) acts as chairman of district meetings and, in his absence, 
other members act in the order of their seniority. If none of the 
directors are present, the qualified voters present elect a chairman. 

Election of Officers. 

A district of the first class elects one director to serve for five 
years; such election is by ballot, and is held from 2 P. M. to 6 P. M. 

16 



The board of directors appoint the judges and name the polling places. 
The judges receive and canvass the vote, and report the results to the 
board. 

In all other districts, one director is elected by ballot at the annual 
meeting to serve three years, and a clerk to serve one year. Districts 
of the second class may hold elections in the same manner as districts 
of the first class, if so authorized by a majority of the legal voters at 
any legally called school meeting. 

District Meetings — Power. 

District meetings legally called may levy a tax on the property of 
the district, make appropriations for the support and benefit of schools, 
and adjourn from time to time.' 

If the meeting is a special one, a tax can not be levied unless call 
for such meeting states that the lev3>"ing of a tax is one of the purposes. 
At an annual meeting, any ordinary business may be transacted, even 
the levying of a tax, without the notice so stating. 

Qualifications of Voters. 

Any citizen, male or female, may vote in a school meeting if he 
or she possesses the following qualifications: 

1. Age — Must be 21 years of age. 

2. Residence — Must have resided in the district thirty days imme- 
diately preceding the meeting or election. Residence is determined 
by homestead or regular voting residence. 

3. Property — Must have property in district, as shown by the last 
county assessment, and not assessed by the sheriff, on which he or she 
is subject or liable to pay a tax. 

In districts of the third class, any head of a family having children 
of school age, and who is otherwise qualified, may vote without the 
property qualification. 

4. Who Included — Satisfactory evidence of ownership of stock, 
shares or part of any corporation, firm or co-partriership which has 
property in the district, as shown by last assessment and not assessed 
by sheriff, on which tax is paid, fulfills the property qualification. 

5. Citizenship — Any man who has declared his intention to be- 
come a citizen of the United States, and has resided in the state six 
months immediately preceding the meeting or election in question, 
shall be considered a citizen. 

Challenge — The chairman, or any qualified elector, may chal- 
lenge any person who offers to vote at the meeting. If challenged, the 
chairman administers an oath to each person so challenged to the 
effect that he or she will truly answer all questions which may be asked 
to determine his or her qualification as a voter. The chairman then 
questions the voter and the judges accept or reject the vote in accord- 
ance with the answers. The school board act as judges in a school 
meeting or election, except where polling places have been established 
and regular judges appointed, and also except in bond elections. 

17 



DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARDS. 

Powers. 

The law invests the district school board with large powers, giv- 
ing them entire control of the public schools in the district and the 
teachers employed therein, except that the state course of study must 
be used in districts of the second and third class, under a penalty of 
forfeiture of 25 per cent, of the county school fund. 

Powers and Duties — General and Specific. 

The powers and duties of the board may be classified as general, 
those given to the board by law, and specific, those given to the board 
by vote of the people at an annual or special school meeting, or by 
petition from people. 

General Powers and Duties. 

1. Hold meetings necessary to the transaction of business. 

2. These meetings may be called in two ways: 

(a) By a member of the board serving written notice on the other 
members and clerk at least twenty-four hours before meeting. (No- 
tice to be left at residence or usual place of business.) 

(b) By mutual consent. No action of board lawful unless every 
member has been duly notified. 

3. The director who has served longest under an election is chair- 
man of board meetings. Majority constitutes quorum. 

Duties. 

1. Authorize clerk to call special school meetings. 

2. Visit and inspect their schools from time to time. 

3. Audit bills against district and authorize clerk to draw warrants 
for payment. 

4. Furnish, from common school fund, fuel prepared for use, chalk, 
janitor, brooms, blackboards, erasers, stoves, window curtains, refer- 
ence books, library books and other apparatus. Can not use for these 
purposes more than 15 per cent, of common school fund. 

5. Shall hire teachers and make contracts with them. These con- 
tracts shall specify in writing: 

(a) Wages. 

(b) Number months to be taught. 

(c) Time employment to begin. 

(d) Studies to be taught, if any in addition to those required for 
first-grade certificate, omitting theory and school law. 

Contract signed in triplicate. One copy retained by teacher, one 
filed in office of district clerk, and one in office of County School Super- 
intendent. State Board of Education has decided that no contract is 
legal unless it be in writing. 

If the teacher is related to any member of board by blood or mar- 
riage within the third degree, contract unlawful unless all members 
concur by a vote which shall be duly entered on clerk's record. 

18 



Third degree relationship excludes son, daughter, brother, sister, 
nephew, niece, uncle or aunt. 

6. May establish rules for government of teachers and pupils, con- 
sistent with those of the State Board of Education, but it is the teach- 
er's duty, under the direction of the board, to determine what branches 
each pupil shall pursue, consistent with the state course of study. 

7. May admit scholars from other districts, if such scholars pay a 
prescribed tuition fee. Boards may contract with the boards of other 
districts for the admission of pupils on such terms as may be agreed 
upon, and the expense so incurred shall be paid out of the funds of the 
district sending the pupils. If not so paid, the County Superintendent 
having jurisdiction shall, on proof of such failure, at time of making 
next apportionment, deduct amount due from the delinquent district 
and send it to the district where children attend school. 

8. On account of the prevalence of any contagious diseases or to 
prevent the spread of such, the board may prohibit attendance of 
teacher or pupil for such time as they may deem proper. They may 
prohibit the attendance of unvaccinated children and decide when 
revaccination shall be required, if cases of smallpox have occurred 
in the city or district. 

9. They shall provide suitable and convenient water closets for 
each school under their charge, at least two in number, separated 
from each other, with different means of access. They shall keep 
these in a clean, chaste and wholesome condition. Grounds shall be 
cleared so as to give full view of the premises. Failure to comply 
shall be sufficient grounds for removal from office or withholding any 
part of county school fund. Expense incurred for such purposes is 
charge upon district and tax may be levied by board without vote 
of people. 

10. Shall require that pupils- be supplied with books prescribed 
by law. 

11. Any duty imposed in the board as a body must be performed 
at regular or special meeting and be made a matter of record. Indi- 
vidual consent is not an act of board and not binding on district, and, 
if a contract, member making it is individually liable. 

12. Shall admit to schools free all persons in district between the 
ages of six and twenty-one. All other persons admitted on such 
terms as the district may direct. 

13. It shall be illegal for any member of board to receive pay 
for services as a member of such board, or to have pecuniary interest 
in any beneficiary contracts. 

14. Shall prosecute in justice courts any person willfully defacing 
school property. The fine, which shall not be less than $15 nor 
more than $20, shall go to school fund of county. 

15. Shall cause to be used uniform series state blanks. 

16. Require clerk to give sufficient bond. 

17. Perform such other duties as the wants of the district may 
demand. 

18. Loan text books to indigent pupils on written report of clerk 
that parent or guardian is not able to purchase such books. 

19 



Specific Powers and Duties. 

When authorized by majority of the legal voters present at an 
annual meeting or at a special meeting, called for that purpose, the 
purpose being stated in the notice calling the special meeting, the 
board exercises specific powers enumerated as follows: 

1. Purchase, build, or lease and furnish school houses, or buy or 
lease land for school purposes. They may levy a tax, not oftener 
than once a year and for not more than 5 per cent, of value of taxable 
property. They may issue and sell district bonds and sell, lease, or 
otherwise dispose of school property, if notice calling such meeting so 
stated and was posted the required time. 

2. May contract a debt by borrowing money, or otherwise, not 
to exceed 5 per cent, of the value of the taxable property in district 
and issue negotiable, interest-bearing warrants of such district. May 
levy tax not oftener than once each year to pay the interest or the 
principal when due. (See Par. "Sources of Income for School Pur- 
poses.") 

3. Shall loan text books to indigent pupils. 

4. May establish and maintain kindergartens for children over 
four, if district is of the first or second class. 

5. May permit school house to be used for any proper purpose 
when not being used for school purposes. No dancing to be allowed, 
nor furniture to be removed. 

6. Furnish transportation to and from school to all pupils living 
more than two miles from school building and pay for same out of 
the common school fund. If transportation is authorized, the board 
is given discretionary power to provide it for children living nearer 
than two miles; also to pay the board of any pupil or pupils near an 
established school instead of providing conveyance, if it can be done 
at no greater expense. When so authorized, the board may levy a 
tax to carry out these provisions. 

7. Shall suspend the district school for such time as authorized 
and arrange with any district or districts for the instruction of the 
pupils while their school is suspended, and also provide for the trans- 
portation of such pupils to and from the districts with which such 
arrangement has been made. For this purpose, public school funds 
may be used and a special tax levied to carry out the instructions of 
the district. 

Specific Powers and Duties Through Petition. 

1. Petition of one-third legal voters of district makes it the duty 
of board to call a meeting to vote on the question of selection, pur- 
chase, or exchange of school-house site, or the erection, removal or 
sale of school house. Majority of votes determine instructions except 
for the removal of school house, which requires two-thirds majority. 
When removed, school house can not be again removed under three 
years. 

2. Petition of one-third legal voters requires board to call a meet- 
ing to consider question of teaching grades above the eighth; twenty 

20 



days' notice required; majority vote decides. Board may call such 
meeting without petition. The same procedure is required when a 
district seeks to establish a high school. 

3. On petition of ten legal voters, a bond election shall be called. 
Twenty days' notice required; majority vote decides. 

4. In districts of first class, on petition of 100 qualified electors, 
the board may provide that any one of the modern languages m?y be 
taught as a branch study in one or more of the common schools of 
the district and employ a competent teacher therefor. 

Penalties and Restrictions. 

1. Violation of any of the provisions of law relating to the duties 
of directors shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less 
than $25 nor more than $100, or by imprisonment in the county jail 
not less than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. 

2. May be removed from office by a court of competent jurisdic- 
tion if found guilty of misfeasance or malfeasance in office. 

3. If contract is made without the authority of board, the mem- 
ber making it is held individually liable. 

4. It shall be illegal for any director, either directly or indirectly, 
to have any pecuniary interest in the erection of school houses, or 
for the warming, ventilation, furnishing, or repairing the same, or to 
receive or accept any compensation for his services as a member of 
the board. 

5. If any district school board draw a warrant on the school fund 
for the wages of any teacher who does not hold a valid teacher's per- 
mit, certificate or diploma, and lay the same before the board for 
inspection, such district shall forfeit its proportion of the school fund 
for the current year. 

6. Members of board, or clerk who shall willfully sign a false 
report to a County Superintendent with the intent of causing the 
Superintendent to apportion more money than the district is justlv 
entitled to, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and such district 
shall also forfeit $25 of its proportion of the county school fund. 



DISTRICT SCHOOL CLERK. 

Elected annually, by people, in districts of second and third 
class by school board, in districts of first class. 

Qualifies by taking oath of office and giving a good and sufficient 
bond in double the probable amount of school moneys liable 
to come into his hands as clerk. Bond presented to school 
board for their acceptance within ten days after election or appoint- 
ment; filed with County Superintendent within thirty days. If clerk 
succeed himself, new bond is required. If clerk's bond is not given 
within thirty days, board shall declare office vacant. Provision is 
made, however, that if board accepts bond after thirty days, such 
bond is valid. 

21 



Principal Duties. 

1. Record proceedings of district and board meetings. 

2. Give notice of annual and special district meetings. 

3. Make annual report to district and forward copy to County 
Superintendent on or before July 10th, following annual school meet- 
ing. 

Clerk's annual report should contain: 

(a) Statement of receipts and expenditures for school year, seg- 
regated. 

(b) Estimated value of school property. 

(c) Annual school census. 

(d) Total enrollment and day's attendance. 

(e) Names and addresses of school officers and time each is to 
serve. 

(f) Such other information as may be called for on uniform state 
blanks. 

4. Take school census, during last week in February, of all per- 
sons in district over four and under twenty years of age. The census 
shall contain: 

(a) Names and ages of all children between 4 and 20 who actu- 
ally resided in district on the 25th of February. It must include pupils 
absent attending institutions of learning, but exclude those staying 
temporarily in district. 

(b) Names of all parents or guardians of such children residing 
in the district. 

(c) Names and ages and address of every person who is blind or 
deaf to such an extent as to be unable to acquire an education in the 
common schools. 

The clerk shall visit each home or place of abode and by actual 
observation and interrogation enumerate the children. 

The census report shall be submitted to the board at annual 
school meeting, and all corrections necessary shall then be made. The 
County Superintendent may correct the report, subject to appeal to 
County Court. The decision of County Court is final. 

5. Keep his books subject to regular inspection by any director. 
Duty of board to make thorough examination of clerk's books at 
annual meeting. 

6. Use uniform series state blanks and receipt for supplies on 
blanks furnished for that purpose. 

7. Refuse to draw order for the last month of teacher's wages 
until register is properly completed and filed with clerk. 

8. Shall send list of officers to County Superintendent immedi- 
ately after annual meeting, giving length of time each is to serve. 

9. Keep a correct account of receipts and exepnditures of dis- 
trict, and turn over money, books and papers to his duly qualified 
successor. 

Compensation. 

School boards determine the compensation clerks shall receive 
for their services: Provided, in districts of the third class, the amount 
shall not be less than $5 nor more than $25. 

22 



VACANCIES. 

How Made. 

The County School Superintendent shall declare the office ot 
clerk or director vacant on the happening of any of the following 
causes: 

1. The death or resignation of the incumbent. 

2. When an incumbent shall be removed from office or his elec- 
tion thereto shall have been declared void by the judgment or decree 
of court. 

3. When an incumbent shall cease to be a resident of the district. 

4. When an incumbent shall cease to discharge the duties of his 
office for two consecutive months, unless prevented from discharging 
such duties by sickness or other unavoidable cause. 

How Filled. 

If office of director is vacant in district of the first class, the clerk 
shall call a meeting of the remaining members, who shall at once 
fill the vacancy from among the qualified voters of the district. 

If vacancies occur in the office of director or clerk in a district 
of the second or the third class, a special school meeting shall be 
called to fill the vacancy. 

If the office of each director of any district be vacant at the same 
time, the County School Superintendent having jurisdiction shall call 
a school meeting to fill the vacancy. 

TEACHERS. 
Duties Enumerated. 

1. Maintain order and conduct himself before his school in such 
manner as to command the respect of his pupils. 

2. Commence school at 9 o'clock and close at 4, giving one hour 
for noon. The directors may order. a less number of hours, and may, 
during the rainy season, shorten the noon intermission to thirty min- 
utes and close school at 3:30. In public schools, pupils under eight 
years of age may be dismissed after a four hours' session each day, 
or may be allowed recesses of such length that the actual confine- 
ment in the school room shall not exceed three and one-half hours 
per day. 

3. Labor during school hours to advance pupils in their studies. 

4. Create in their minds a desire for knowledge, principle, mor- 
ality, politeness, cleanliness, and the preservation of physical health. 

5. Instruct in physiology and hygiene orally below the fourth 
grade; with books in fourth grade and up. Instruction to be as thor- 
ough as in arithmetic or geography. Teacher shall certify in reg- 
ister that such instruction has been given with special reference to 
the effects of alcohol and narcotics upon the human system. Neglect 
of this duty by the teacher will cause apportionment of funds to be 
withheld from the district. 

23 



6. Keep a register showing name, sex, daily attendance, and such 
other data c as may be called for by the blanks furnished by the State 
Board of Education. In counties having 20,000 school children, teach- 
ers are required to make statistical reports monthly. 

7. Give vigilant attention to the temperature and ventilation of 
the school room, cause doors and windows to be opened at each inter- 
mission, require pupils to exercise, encourage healthful play, prohibit 
dangerous and immoral games and amusements. 

8. Give two exercises each day in free gymnastics and suitable 
voice and breathing exercises. 

9. Follow state course of study. 

10. Make a report at time of leaving school for all that portion 
of the school year from the beginning of the school year, to the time 
of leaving, and file with the County Superintendent, and file a dupli- 
cate thereof and her register with the clerk. 

11. At close of each term (or year) file with the clerk and County 
Superintendent a report of the school from the beginning of the 
school year to the close and such other data as the blanks arranged 
by the State Board of Education may require. 

12. Must hold legal certificate during entire term of service. 

Privileges and Penalties. 

1. Can-be dismissed only for good cause shown, and, in case the 
board shall pass an order to dismiss the material reason therefor shall 
be spread upon the record by the district clerk. 

2. If dismissed unjustly, the teacher may appeal to the County Su- 
perintendent and thence to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, 
but for a breach of contract of teaching the teacher shall have ordinary 
legal remedies. 

3. In the trial of a teacher for dismissal, the board, the County 
Superintendent or the State Superintendent, as the case may be, shall 
give the teacher due and legal notice in writing of the charges against 
him, and an opportunity to be heard in his own defense in person or 
by attorney. 

4. At least 85 per cent, of the county and state school funds 
received by a district during the year shall be applied on teachers' 
salaries. 

5. Last month's salary withheld until register is submitted to the 
chairman of the board and until said chairman finds, by 'examination, 
that the register has been properly kept, and enters upon the register 
a certificate to that effect. 

6. A teacher in the public schools who shall willingly violate the 
terms of his contract by resigning without written notice to the board 
at least thirty days before the time for resignation to take effect, 
shall, upon due notice from the school board, have his certificate 
revoked by the authorities issuing same, and shall be disqualified in 
the public schools of this state for the remainder of the school year. 
Sickness or other unavoidable circumstances which prevent teacher 
teaching for one month is sufficient reason for the termination of 

24 



contract without the thirty day notice from the teacher. School 
board may release teacher from contract by mutual agreement. 

7. If a teacher and board enter into a contract whereby any part 
of the county or state school fund shall be returned to the district, 
directly or indirectly, such contract shall be deemed void and the 
teacher's certificate shall be revoked by the County Superintendent, 
if a county certificate, and by the State Board of Education if a state 
certificate or diploma, the teacher to have the right of trial. 

8. A teacher shall receive a certificate for attendance at any annual 
county institute or state teachers' association. This certificate, if for 
as much as sixteen hours' attendance, entitles the teacher to receive 
wages for such time as she attended, but not more than three days, 
providing the teacher closed school to attend the institute. The cer- 
tificate, when filed with the County Superintendent, entitles the district 
to an apportionment of $5.00 out of the county school fund. 

9. A County Superintendent may at his discretion revoke the cer- 
tificate, reduce the grade, or refuse to grant a certificate to any teacher 
who refuses to attend the county institute without cause. 



PUPILS. 

1. Shall comply with regulations established in pursuance of law 
for the government of such schools as they may attend. 

2. Shall pursue the course of study and use the text books pre- 
scribed by law. 

3. Shall submit to the authority of teachers. 

4. Willful disobedience, or open defiance of the teacher's author- 
ity, the use of profanity or obscene language, shall constitute good 
cause for suspension. 

5. Any pupil who shall in any way cut, deface, or otherwise injure 
school house, fence, or outbuilding, shall be liable to suspension and 
punishment. The parents of such pupils shall be liable for damages 
to the amount of the injury, on complaint of teacher, the amount to 
be determined by the board and collected by the board by an action 
therefor in a court having jurisdiction, in the name of the district, 
together with the costs of said action. 

SCHOOL MONTH. 

Common school month consists of twenty days, Unlawful to hold 
school on Saturday or Sunday, or legal holiday. 

HOLIDAYS. 

Sundays, January 1, February 22, May 30, July 4, December 25, 
and every day on which a general election is held throughout state; 
every day appointed by President or Governor as public fast or thanks- 
giving or holiday. If holiday occurs during session of school, teacher 
gets full pay therefor. 

25 



DISTRICTS OF THE FIRST CLASS. 

I. Formed by Consolidating City Districts. 

1. Whenever in a city or incorporated town, the census of the 
largest district shows more than 1,000 children, then the district 
boundary board shall consolidate all districts and parts of districts 
within such city or town into one school district of the first class, and 
the limits and boundaries of such district coincide with the limits and 
boundaries of the incorporated city or town. 

The part of an original district that may lie outside the city lim- 
its is to be a part of the city school district until such time as the 
boundary board may otherwise provide, and the city school board 
must allow free tuition for a period not to exceed three years, unless 
such outside part or parts may be organized when limits of incorpo- 
rated city or town containing a district of the first class are legally 
changed, then the boundaries of school district therein shall be deemed 
to have been changed so as to coincide. 

Government. 

1. The directors of the most populous district within said cor- 
porate limits, with two others to be elected as provided by law, shall 
be the board of such new district organization, and shall exercise con- 
trol over the property and the schools. 

2. At the first regular election after establishing a district of the 
first class, there shall be elected three directors to hold office, one for 
three years, one for four years, and one for five years, the term of 
each to be determined by lot at the first board meeting thereafter. 

3. The directors of the oldest organized district affected by this 
act shall designate the polling places and name the judges and clerks 
of election, canvass the vote, and declare the result. 

II. Formed by Increase of Population. 

Whenever the school population of any district shall reach 1,000 
or more, as shown by the annual school census, the board shall give 
notice that at the next election three directors are to be elected, who 
shall serve for three, four and frve years, the time of each being deter- 
mined by lot at the first meeting of the board thereafter. From and 
after such election such district shall be a district of the first class 
and have a board of five directors. 

Government. 

1. Directors — The election of directors shall be held each year, 
one director being chosen to serve for five years. The district may 
be divided into voting wards by the directors, such wards to conform 
as near as possible to the city wards. At least one polling place shall 
be established in each ward, and the judges and clerks shall be resi- 
dents of that ward. 

26 



2. Clerk — School clerks in districts of the first class shall be 
deemed officers of the board. The board elects him, prescribes his 
duties, fixes his compensation, and the manner of payment, and fixes 
the amount of his bond. 

3. Principal Duties of Board: 

1. Employ a city superintendent, fix his term of office and com- 
pensation. 

2. Employ teachers, janitors and other help, and fix their salaries. 

3. Prescribe courses of study and make rules and regulations for 
the government of the district. 

4. Choose such text books as, in their judgment, may be required 
for a more systematic grading of their schools, in addition to those 
already authorized by the state. The selections shall be made at the 
time prescribed for selecting state text books, and a record of their 
choice shall be regularly reported to the State Board of Education, to 
be by them filed. 

5. Create a board of examiners for the purpose of examining all 
persons who may be employed to teach in the district. Of this board 
the County School Superintendent is ex officio chairman, and the city 
superintendent shall be a member. The board may, at its option, 
authorize the acceptance of county or state certificates, but a city 
certificate is good only in the district where issued. 

6. Lease and build and furnish school houses and to sell district 
property not required for school purposes. 

7. Provide polling places for school elections, make annual report 
to taxpayers, fix rates of tuition for non-resident pupils. 

8. Hold regular meetings at which a majority constitutes a quo- 
rum. Regular meeting must be held on or before the tenth day after 
an election, at which time newly elected officer or officers shall enter 
on their duties. 

9. Adopt rules for the government of the board and keep journal. 
Yeas and nays required and entered on journal on call of any one 
member. 

4. Indebtedness Limited. 

The board is authorized to contract an indebtedness not to exceed 
$100,000. In cities of less than 75,000 inhabitants, indebtedness must 
not exceed 5 per cent, of the value of the district's taxable property.'. 

5. Warrants — Warrants on districts of the first class cannot le- 
gally bear interest. 

6. Bids for Supplies — For supplies amounting to over $500, board 
shall publish notice for bids. They shall open bids in a public place. 
No member of board can be an interested party. 

7. Course of Study — The course of study shall be under the entire 
control of board. 

8. General Duties and Powers: 

All duties and powers of directors and clerks in other districts 
are applicable in districts of the first class, unless they conflict with 
the express provisions governing such first-class districts. 

27 



SECONDARY EDUCATION. 

The public schools for secondary education are classified as fol- 
lows: 

I. Schools teaching grades above the eighth. 

II. District high schools. 

III. County high schools. 

I. Grades Above the Eighth. 

When petitioned by one-third of the legal voters of a district 
requesting that grades above the eightli be taught, or when the dis- 
trict board shall, at its discretion, think proper, it shall give twenty 
days' notice previous to the annual school meeting or a special meeting 
called for that purpose, that it will submit to the legal voters of said 
district whether grades above the eighth shall be taught therein. Vot- 
ers decide by ballot; board canvasses vote; majority of votes cast 
decides. If majority favor measure, the board shall establish such 
grades and determine the branches to be taught therein. The course 
of study shall be that prescribed by the State Board of Education if 
in districts of the second or third class. (In practice and according to 
latest enactment, this course of study is made by the Superintendent 
of Public Instruction.) 

II. District High Schools. 

The initiative in the establishment of district high schools is the 
same as for the establishment of grades above the eighth, except that 
the petition shall request that a high school be established in such 
district at a place named in the petition and in the twenty days' pre- 
vious notice given by the boord. If a majority of the ballots are 
favorable, the board shall establish such high school, provide for its 
maintenance, and select suitable teachers for its various grades. 

This district high school, being a part of the public school of the 
district, shall be under the control and management of the district 
school board, to the same extent as are the lower grades. The board 
may use for that purpose any part of state, county or special district 
tax funds. Provision is made, however, that before any district can 
legally use public funds for maintaining a high school, it must main- 
tain at least eight months' instruction each year in the lower grades. 

III. County High Schools. 

Any county in the state may establish and maintain one or more 
county high schools. 

Plan of Procedure. 

Upon the presentation of a petition signed by one hundred or 
more qualified electors and taxpayers in said county, the county court 
shall submit to the qualified electors of the county, at any general elec- 
tion, or special election ordered by county court for that purpose, the 
question of establishing and maintaining a county high school. 

28 



The ballots for such election shall contain the words: "For County 
High School — Yes"; "For County High School — No"; and the voter 
shall indicate his choice on his ballot. 

If majority of all votes cast on the proposition are"in the affirma- 
tive, the county court shall within thirty days, after canvassing the 
vote, locate the school in some suitable and convenient place in the 
county. The county court shall also estimate the cost of suitable 
ground, the erection and furnishing of a building and the cost of 
maintaining the school for the next twelve months. Provision is 
made for renting suitable rooms, vacant public school rooms being 
given the preference, or for contracting with the directors of a dis- 
trict which maintains a high school, to teach the county pupils for a 
specified sum or stated rate per capita. 

Maintenance and Government. 

The county court shall levy a special county tax sufficient to raise 
the amount necessary to buy land, procure plans and specifications, 
erect and furnish a building, fence and ornament the grounds, or oth- 
erwise provide accommodations, and maintain the school for the next 
twelve months. This tax shall be collected as other county taxes, and 
the amount shall be held by the County Treasurer and designated 
"County High School Fund." 

When the county court shall have completed the building and 
fenced the grounds, they shall cause the same to be deeded to the 
county high school board, to be held by them in trust for the county. 

County High School Board. 

The county high school board shall consist of the County Judge, 
two County Commissioners, County Treasurer and County School 
Superintendent. The first named officer shall be chairman, or presi- 
dent, and the last named secretary, ex officio. The board shall serve 
without compensation. 

Duties of Board. 

1. Furnish annually to county court an estimate of amount of 
money needed to maintain the county high school, employ suitable 
teachers, janitors and other employees, and do all things necessary 
for the proper conduct of the school. 

2. Draw order on county court signed by president and secretary 
of board, whereupon county court shall issue warrant against county 
high school fund not to exceed amount of such fund in treasury. 

Course of Study. 

The course of study for high schools of this state shall embrace a 
period of four years above the eighth grade, of the public schools of 
this state, as follows: 

Two years of required work and two years of optional work. The 
two years of required work shall be laid down by the Superintendent 

29 



of Public Instruction after due consultation, with all county and dis- 
trict high school boards in the state. The two years of optional work 
shall be laid down by the respective district or county high school 
boards after d"« consultation with the Superintendent of Public In- 
struction. Provision is made that the boards may provide that any 
portion of the two years' optional work be devoted to industrial 
training. 

When such industrial training is made a part of the high school 
course, it may be interspersed with the required studies during the 
four years as the board may decide. 

Diplomas. 

A pupil who completes the four years' high school course and 
successfully passes the required examinations shall be granted a state 
high school diploma. Pupils who satisfactorily complete a course less 
than four years are entitled to receive a certificate or diploma indi- 
cating the number of years high school work done. 

Text Books. 

All text books used for the two years' required work shall be 
selected by the State Text Book Commission. 

Who May Be Teachers. 

All teachers employed in regularly organized high schools shall 
be graduates of the State Normal Schools of Oregon, graduates of 
some institution of collegiate or university grade, or hold a state cer- 
tificate or diploma. Which one of these qualifications shall be re- 
quired is determined by the employing high school board. (Decision 
State Superintendent.) This only applies to regularly organized high 
schools, and not to the class of schools organized as schools with 
grades above the eighth. 

Free to What Pupils. 

District high schools are free to all pupils of school age in the 
district who pass or have passed successfully the eighth grade uniform 
final examinations. County high schools are free to any pupil in the 
county on the same conditions. 



ADOPTION OF TEXT BOOKS. 

State Text Book Commission — Appointed. 

In the month of February, 1901, and every six years thereafter, 
the Governor shall appoint from the different sections of the state a 
state board of five Text Book Commissioners. The Governor shall 
fill vacancies in such board. 

In the month of February, 1901, and every six years thereafter, 
the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall, under the direction 

30 



of the State Board of Education, issue circular and mail a copy lo 
the leading school book publishers in the United States. Such cir- 
cular shall contain: 

(a) Name and address of each Text Book- Commissioner. 

(b) Time and place of meeting to adopt text books. 

(c) General form of bid for submitting text books for adoption. 

(d) General form of contract to be entered into between the 
State Board of Education on the part of the state and a publisher 
whose books may be adopted. 

(e) Studies included in state course of study for all grades. 

(f) Such additional facts and information as may be considered 
expedient. 

Meetings of Board. 

The State Board of Text Book Commissioners shall meet at the 
capitol on the second Monday in July, 1901, and every six years there- 
after in a room to be designated by the State Board of Education. 
They shall continue in session not to exceed fifteen days exclusive of 
Sundays and holidays. Four members constitute quorum. They shall 
organize by electing a chairman from their number and a secretary, 
a citizen of the state — one who does not hold any county or state 
office. 

Books — How Adopted. 

When organized they shall adopt text books for use in the public 
schools for six years. The sessions of the board shall be public and the 
vote on the selection of each text book shall be viva voce, and the 
vote of each member shall be recorded in the minutes. Three votes 
necessary to the adoption of any book. The adoption shall include 
text books for all branches of study specified in the state course of 
studies for all grades and no others. 

Publishers' Proposals. 

Publishers are required to submit their proposals in writing not 
later than the first day of the session of the board. These proposals 
must contain full information relative to the title of book, date of 
copyright, introductory and exchange prices, price at which they will 
furnish the book during the existence of the contract. 

If the price of any text book in all the proposals is considered 
unreasonably high or the book not suitable, the board may reject and 
thereafter at the same or at a subsequent meeting receive new pro- 
posals. 

No publisher shall have the right to have his proposal as to any 
text book considered unless he shall have delivered a copy thereof, 
free of cost, to each member of the board at least sixty days before 
the meeting. 

Report Adoptions to State Board of Education. 

The State Text Book Commissioners shall immediately report 
adoptions to the State Board of Education. The report shall be w'rit- 

31 



ten and shall be signed in triplicate by each member and attested by 
the secretary. It shall contain full information regarding title of book, 
introductory, exchange and sale prices, date of copyright, etc. One 
copy of report sha^ 7 ^ retained by the chairman of the Commission, 
one delivered to the Governor, and one to the Superintendent of 
Public Instruction. 

Contracts Executed. 

On receiving the report of the Commission, State Board of Edu- 
cation shall enter into a written contract with each publisher whose 
book or books shall have been adopted. Contracts shall be signed 
in triplicate, one delivered to the Governor, one to the State Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction, and one to the publisher named therein. 

Depository and Bond. 

The contract shall require the publisher to maintain at least one 
depository in each county in the state to be designated by the State 
Board of Education, where such books may be purchased. Publishers 
shall give a bond in such sum as the board may determine for the full 
and faithful performance of the same. If forfeited, the amount goes 
to State School Fund. 

Compensation of Commissioners and Secretary. 

Each member of the State Text Book Commission and the secre- 
tary elected by them shall be paid, from state funds, $100 for attend- 
ance at each meeting required by law, and ten cents for each mile 
traveled in going to and from such meeting. 

Adopted Books — Circular. 

In August following the adoption of text books, the Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction shall issue a circular giving full informa- 
tion regarding adopted text books. This circular shall be sent to 
County Superintendents in sufficient quantities to supply a copy to 
each school officer in the county. 

Special Sessions of Board. 

If any additional text books may be required, or if any publisher 
shall fail or be unable to furnish any adopted text book, a special 
session of the board may be called bv the chairman or by the Gov- 
ernor. The same procedure shall be followed in regard to circulars, 
reports, etc., as for a general adoption. 

District: Directors May Adopt Text Books — When. 

In July, 1901, and every six years thereafter, and at no other time, 
the district school board in any district in which a high school is 
maintained shall adopt text books required to complete any branch 
of study added by such board to the branches of study specified for 
a state high school course. 

32 



No text book shall be adopted by a school board that shall directly 
or indirectly be used as a substitute for any text book adopted by 
the State Text Book Commission, or that shall directly or indirectly 
replace such adopted books. 

Directors' Contract With Publishers. 

Within thirty days after any adoption of text books by a school 
fooard, the board shall enter into a written contract with the publish- 
ers concerned, signed in triplicate, one copy to be retained by the 
clerk of the district, one by the publisher, and one to be delivered 
to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Violations of Law by Teachers — Effect Of. 

Teachers in the public schools in the state shall use the adopted 
text books, and none others. Willful violation of this provision on 
the part of the teacher shall be deemed a violation of the terms of his 
contract, and any patron of the school or taxpayer may bring proper 
proceedings in a court to compel the school board or the teacher to 
use the adopted books. 



CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS. 

If two or more contiguous districts desire to consolidate, they 
shall proceed as follows: 

1. Prepare petitions giving the numbers and boundaries of each 
district to be consolidated. 

2. These petitions must be addressed to the District Boundary 
Board and be signed by the legal voters of each district concerned in 
the following numbers: 

(a) District of first class, 100 or more. 

(b) District of second class, 50 or more. 

(c) District of third class, 10 or more. 

3. District Boundary Board on receiving petitions shall within 
ten days notify the school board in each of the districts designated by 
the petition. 

4. District school board receiving such notice shall cause its clerk 
to publish as a part of notice for next annual meeting that vote will 
be taken on question of consolidation of the districts designated in 
the notice from boundary board. 

5. Voters at meeting vote by ballot for or against. Poll list is kept. 

6. Votes counted, tally sheet certified to as correct, signed by 
clerk, tellers and chairman. 

7. The tally sheet, poll list and ballots put in envelope and sealed 
by clerk. 

8. He endorses on outside number of district, name of county, and 
date of election. 

9. He sends sealed package, together with statement of the result 
of election, signed by clerk and chairman, to district boundary board. 

33 



10. District boundary board opens sealed package and canvasses 
the vote. 

11. If boundary board finds majority vote favorable it notifies 
district school board of each district concerned, and within ten days 
consolidates all the territory into one district. 

12. If vote is against, each district board concerned shall be noti- 
fied. 

13. Tally sheets, ballots, etc., kept on file in office of County 
Superintendent for one year. 

Property and Government. 

All property belonging to the respective districts shall belong 
to the consolidated district. The board of the most populous district 
according to last school census, shall govern until the first annual 
school meeting. Officers of other districts are out. 

At time of annual meeting, if the district by consolidation has 
become a district of the first class, three members shall be elected to 
serve three, four, and five years respectively. If it remains a district 
of the second or third class, one member is to be chosen to serve for 
three years. If most populous district was a district of the first class 
before consolidation, then but one board member is to be chosen at 
annual meeting. 

Apportionment of Funds. 

For the first five years after consolidation, the County Superin- 
tendent, at the time he apportions $50 to each district, shall apportion 
to each consolidated district as many times $50 as there were districts 
consolidated. 

EIGHTH GRADE EXAMINATIONS. 

1. State Superintendent shall prepare questions for uniform 
eighth-grade examinations and prepare rules for conducting same. 

2. These examinations are held in each county three times a year 
and may be taken by any pupil who has completed the eighth grade — 
state course of study. 

3. Duty chairman board of directors to conduct such examination 
or appoint a member of his board, or the clerk, or some other person, 
other than the teacher, designated by the County Superintendent. 

4. The examination is to be conducted according to rules and the 
manuscripts sent to the office of the County Superintendent within 
one day after it closes. 

5. Examiner gets $2.00 per day for work, payable out of school 
fund of district. Not paid for more than two days' time. 

6. Eighth-grade examining board examines manuscript * and the 
County Superintendent reports to Superintendent of Public In 5truc- 
tion the names of all who passed. 

7. Each member of the board of examiners excepting the County 
Superintendent is to receive $3.00 per day from the general fund of 

34 



the county for the time employed, but not for more than three days 
at any one examination. 

For satisfactorily completing the examinations, certificates will 
be granted which will entitle the holder thereof to enter any ninth 
grade in the state without further examination. 

OREGON STATE LIBRARY COMMISSION. 
Duties. 

1. Give advice to schools, to established libraries, and to commu- 
nities as to the best means of establishing and maintaining libraries, 
selection of books, cataloguing them, etc. 

2. Purchase and operate traveling libraries, and circulate them 
where needed without cost, except for transportation. 

3. Publish circulars and conduct a summer school of library 
instruction and a periodical "clearing house" for free gift to local 
libraries. 

Officers. 

Officers consist of president, elected from commission, and sec- 
retary selected outside of commission. The secretary shall supervise 
libraries, establish new ones, conduct the detail business of the associ- 
ation, and keep the records. 

Expenses. 

The secretary receives annual salary not to exceed $1,200 per 
annum and traveling expenses. Commissioners receive traveling ex- 
penses. Traveling expenses of all limited to $500. State appropriates 
$2,000 per annum to carry out the provisions of this act. 

SCHOOL LIBRARIES. 

The Oregon State Librar}' Commission shall prepare annually 
lists of books suitable for school libraries and make rules for the selec- 
tion of books from such lists. The lists are to state the retail and 
mailing price of each book, which price shall be the lowest obtainable 
by bids from more than one firm. 

The county courts of the several counties of the state having less 
than 100,000 inhabitants are required to levy a tax for library purposes 
which shall amount to at least ten cents per capita for all children of 
school age as shown by the then last preceding school census. This 
fund is known as the school library fund and is disposed of as follows: 

1. On the first Monday in July, the County Treasurer certifies to 
the County Superintendent the total amount of such fund on hand 
ready to be apportioned. 

2. On the same day the County Superintendent apportions the 
fund among the several school districts in proportion to the number 
of children between four and twenty, as shown by the preceding 
census. 

35 



3. He then notifies the State Library Commission of the amount 
apportioned to each district and the number of school children therein. 

4. Between the first Monday of July and the first Monday of 
August, the directors of each district and the County Superintendent 
select such books as are desired, but not in excess of the purchasing 
power of the money apportioned to the district. These books must 
be selected from the list prepared by the State Library Commission. 

5. County Superintendent then notifies the Library Commission 
of the selection. If Commission is not notified of selection by the 10th 
of August, it shall select for the district. 

6. Commission orders books from dealers who have agreed to fur- 
nish them at lowest cost, and notifies County Superintendent what the 
books selected for his county will cost, including transportation. 

7. County Superintendent draws warrant on treasurer for the 
amount and sends it to the commission. 

8. Commission pays for books and causes them to be distributed 
among the several districts. 

9. During the school session the library shall be kept in the school 
house, and the teacher is to have charge of the books. When school 
is not in session, it is to be in charge of a librarian appointed by the 
County Superintendent. 

STATE NORMAL SCHOOLS. 

• Four State Normal Schools are established and maintained by the 
state. They are located at the following places: Monmouth, Weston, 
Drain and Ashland. (The law recognizing The Dalles Academy as a 
State Normal has never been repealed. The school has not been in 
operation since 1894, at which time property was purchased by The 
Dalles District.) 

The courses of study pursued in the Normal Schools are pre- 
scribed by the joint action of the respective Normal School presidents 
and the State Board of Education. 

The boards of trustees may extend the course of study so as to 
include the branches of a college course and confer degrees in the 
same, but no such work shall be allowed to conflict with the proper 
work of the Normal School. 

Model training schools for professional practice in teaching shail 
be maintained in each and all, and normal students may have the 
privilege of training therein. 

The rules and regulations for discipline in the Normal Schools 
shall be prescribed by the faculty of each school, subject to the 
approval of the State Board of Education. 

Graduation from any one of the State Normals entitles the stu- 
dent to a diploma. This diploma is accepted by the State Board of 
Education as an equivalent for the thirty months' teaching experience 
required by law to secure a state certificate. 

The State Normal Schools are each governed by a board of re- 
gents, whose duties and powers are prescribed by law, and which are 
similar to those required of trustees and regents of other institutions. 

36 



Regents may receive traveling expenses for attending board meet- 
ings, but do not receive any salary. 

The governing bodies are made up as follows: 

Monmouth — State Board of Education, ex officio, and nine per- 
sons appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent 
of the Senate. Three go out of office every two years. Four make 
quorum. 

Ashland and Drain — Each have boards of trustees similarly con- 
stituted, except that it requires five to make quorum. 

Weston — Seven regents, appointed by the Governor, not more 
than four of whom shall belong to one political party. They serve 
for six years, retiring in groups of two, two, and three. Four make 
quorum. 

All pupils of State Normal Schools and chartered institutions in 
Oregon who graduated from such institutions before September 1, 
1899, under the provisions of acts in force at that time, shall be en- 
titled to receive a state diploma or state life diploma in compliance 
with the conditions of the acts in force February 1, 1899. 

Notes. 

1. The State Board of Education has ruled that this provision 
applies to all persons who hold state certificates or state diplomas in 
compliance with acts in force February 1, 1899. 

2. The state diploma as mentioned here was a six-year paper. 
In 1901 the law was changed giving the state life paper the name 
"State Diploma." 

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF OREGON. 

The State Agricultural College is located at Corvallis. It is 
maintained by special legislative appropriations and interest on the 
State Agricultural Fund, derived from sale of lands in Oregon set 
apart by Congress for that purpose. This last named fund can not 
be used for buildings or for building sites. 

It is governed by a board of thirteen regents, the State Board of 
Education, and Master of the State Grange, members ex officio, and 
nine members appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and 
consent of the Senate. Not more than five of these appointed members 
shall belong to any one political party. They retire in groups of 
three every three years. Seven make quorum. 

The course of study is prescribed by the board of regents, but 
must be consistent with the objects sought by Congress in establish- 
ing state agricultural colleges, namely, "instruction in agriculture 
and mechanical arts." 

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON. 

The University of Oregon is located at Eugene. It, is governed 
by a board of nine regents appointed by the Governor, by and with 

37 



the advice and consent of the Senate. They serve twelve years; five 
constitute a quorum. No political or sectarian test ever applied in 
appointment of regents or instructors, except that majority of the 
regents can not belong to the same religious denomination. 

The expenses of the university are met principally by legislative 
appropriations and by the use of interest on State University Fund, 
derived from sale of State University lands. 

SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF. 

There is maintained at Salem by state expense a school for the 
instruction of the deaf. It is governed by the State Board of Edu- 
cation, who have full authority and exclusive government, direction, 
and supervision of said school. 

They employ a superintendent and teachers, and fix their salaries. 
The superintendent is required to give a bond, live at the school, and 
have charge of the land, buildings, apparatus, stock, provisions, etc. 

All deaf persons of proper age residing in the state are entitled 
to free education in such school. Admission is gained by making 
written application to the County Judge — in person if of age, by par- 
ents or guardian or near friend, if minor. If the Judge finds the case 
worthy, he makes certificate and transmits it and application to secre- 
tary of trustees. Secretary files same in his office and issues his cer- 
tificate to applicant entitling applicant to admission in school. If 
pupil is indigent, expense of travel and clothing is borne by county. 

INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND. 

The Oregon Institute for the Blind is located at Salem. It is 
governed by the State Board of Education, who have full control with 
power to hire officers and teachers, prescribe their duties and fix their 
salaries, reporting expenses, management and condition of institute 
to the Legislative Assembly. 

All blind persons of sound mind and in good health residing in 
the state are entitled to free education at the institute for a period of 
two years. The board is empowered to allow pupils to remain longer 
for special reasons. 

SOURCES OF INCOME FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES. 

Funds for the maintenance of public schools come principally from 
the following sources: 

1. State School Fund — Interest on money received from sale of 
state school lands. 

2. County School Fund — Tax levied annually by the county court. 
Must be at least $6 per capita for each child of school age as shown 
by the then last preceding census. Cannot be less than per capita 
levy for 1903. Most fines from criminal convictions go to school fund. 

38 



3. Special District Tax — Levied by voters in district on property 
of district. 

4. Tuition — Amount paid by non-resident children. 

Funds — How Spent. 

1. At least eighty-five per cent, of the common school fund (state 
and county funds) shall be paid for teachers' wages. 

2. Fifteen per cent, of same fund and any part or all of special 
tax fund may be used for incidental expenses, such as fuel, janitor, 
brooms, chalk, erasers, apparatus, etc. 

3. The special tax fund may be used for any purpose consistent 
with the best interests of the school, such as buildings, repairs, fur- 
niture, etc. 

District Clerk Custodian. 

The district clerk receives the common school fund from the 
county treasurer on warrant from office of county superintendent. He 
receives the special tax fund direct from the treasurer. He pays out 
money on district warrants authorized at a meeting of the board, and 
signed by chairman and clerk. Board may authorize chairman and 
clerk to draw warrants for the payment of teachers' salaries at end 
of each month. 

SPECIAL TAXES. 

1. Assessor places a valuation upon all taxable property in dis- 
trict. 

2. County clerk reports valuation to district clerks. 

3. Not oftener than once each year, and before January 1, the 
district at the annual meeting or a special meeting called for. that pur- 
pose, the notice stating the purpose, may levy a special tax not to 
exceed five per cent, of taxable valuation of district. 

4. District clerk must notify county clerk of levy on or before 
January 1. 

5. Sheriff collects tax and turns it over to county treasurer, who 
makes receipt in triplicate — one receipt given to sheriff, one sent to 
county clerk or auditor and one sent to school clerk. 

EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN. . 

1. No child under the age of 14 shall be employed in any factory, 
store, workshop, mine, or in telegraph, telephone or public mes- 
senger service. 

2. No child under the age of 14 shall be employed by any one 
for wages during the hours when the public schools of the district 
in which he or she resides are in session. 

3. Attendance at school is compulsory upon all children between 
the ages of 8 and 14, in cities, towns and villages, and upon all therein 
not employed in some lawful work. 

39 



4. No child under 16 shall be employed before 7 a. m. nor after 
6 p. m., nor more than ten hours a day, nor more than six days a. 
week. Every such child is entitled to at least thirty minutes for 
meal time at noon~riunch time not taken from employment hours). 

5. No child under 16 shall be employed or permitted to work at. 
any employment mentioned in paragraph 1 unless the employing 
authority procures and keeps an age and schooling certificate accessi- 
ble to the school authorities and to the police and board of inspectors, 
of child labor, and keep a complete list of children employed. 

Age and Schooling Certificate. 

The age certificate is issued by the parents or guardian. The 
school authorities verify this certificate by authoritative evidence and 
by oath of the party signing it. The city superintendent or some one. 
authorized by him in writing, certifies in regard to the child's scholar- 
ship, development, health and whether such child has attended 
school during the preceding year for at least 160 days or its equiva- 
lent in study. This is called the schooling certificate. 

The board of inspectors of child labor may demand these certifi- 
cates at any time. Failure to produce them by firms where children 
are employed shall be prima facie evidence of illegal employment. 
Punishment is by fine of from $10 to $25 for first offense; double this 
amount for second offense. 

BOARD OF INSPECTORS OF CHILD LABOR. 

The Board of Inspectors of Child Labor are appointed by the 
Governor. Three at least shall be women. They serve for a term o£ 
five years, without compensation. 

Duties. 

1. Exercise a general surveillance over the employers of chil-. 
dren, and bring complaints for violation of the child labor law before 
the district attorney having jurisdiction. 

2. May allow, at its discretion, children between 12 and 14 years 
of age to be employed in any suitable work during school vacation 
and may issue permits therefor. 

BONDS AND WARRANTS. 

The indebtedness of a district may be evidenced by warrants, 
notes or bonds. The procedure for bonding a district is generally 
more technical than for other forms of indebtedness. Briefly out-^ 
lined, it is as follows: 

1. Draw a petition according to form given in school law. The 
petition requests the board to call a bond election. 

2. Secure the signatures of at least ten legal voters and present 
petition to board. 

3. Board then directs clerk to post a notice calling a bond elec-i 

40 



tion. Notice must be posted 20 days, not counting the one on which 
it was put up, in three conspicuous places, one of which is at the 

place of meeting. 

4. Meeting called to order bj r chairman.. Notice and proof of 
posting same read and filed. Taxpayers then elect three judges and 
a clerk of election. 

5. The voters first vote by ballot whether bonds, if issued, shall 
be sold according to subdivision 6 or subdivision 31, Oregon School 
Laws. 

Subdivision 6. — Popular loan plan — provides for selling warrants 
or notes to residents of district or to others if residents do not want 
them. 

Subdivision 31. — Regular bond issue plan, as here outlined. 

6. In bond elections polls must be open from 1 to 1 o'clock. 
When the polls are closed the judges and clerk count the votes and 
make out and sign three certificates certifying- the results. 

7. One of these certificates is sent to the county superintendent, 
one to the county treasurer, and the other with the ballots to the 
school board, to be filed in clerk's office. 

8. The bonds are then' issued. Should be in denominations of 
$500 or $1,000. Notices of such issue should be sent to the secretary 
of state land board, together with copy of record of entire procedure. 
Also certificate from county clerk as to .amount of district assess- 
ment, and opinion of district attorney or state land board attorney as 
to the legality of proceedings. 

9. Land board may accept or reject bonds. If rejected, they are 
placed with county treasurer and by him registered. They are then 
adevrtised and sold by the county treasurer, but cannot be sold for 
less than par. 

10. Board must levy annually a tax to pay interest and after 
ten years must levy tax to form sinking fund to meet principal when 
due. If borrowed from state, can be paid off at any time after one 
year. 

11. If directors fail or refuse to levy tax. county court may levy 
the tax, on statement of treasurer of amount needed. 

12. When money is on hand to redeem bonds, treasurer gives 30 
days' notice by publication or otherwise that he has funds. If bonds 
are not presented in that time, interest stops. 

Popular Loan. 

If the voters decide by ballot to sell bonds or warrants in ac- 
cordance with subdivision 6 (popular loan plan), they shall post 
notices or advertise in a newspaper published in district, setting forth 
the amount of such loan, number of years to run, rate of interest, 
when and where subscriptions will be received, when notes, warrants, 
or bonds will be delivered. 

Each bona fide resident of the district may subscribe once, in 
any sum not less than $50.00. 

41 



In placing the loan, the board shall issue the same, whether in 
notes, warrants or bonds, to the smallest subscriber first, one note, 
warrant or bond to each subscriber upon payment of the amount to 
the board, until the entire loan has been placed. 

If all have had a chance to subscribe and there is still a part re- 
maining unsold or if subscribers do not call for the papers within 
three days after the time fixed for delivery of same, the directors 
may permit subscribers to subscribe additional amounts. 

ARBOR DAY. 

The afternoon of the second Friday of April shall be known as 
"Arbor Day." It shall be the duty of teachers and officers in charge 
of public schools to assemble the pupils in such place as may be 
deemed most expedient and hold such exercises as shall tend to en- 
courage the planting, protection, and preservation of trees and shrubs 
and an acquaintance with the best methods of accomplishing such 
results. 

The Superintendent of Public Instruction, under and by the di- 
rection of the State Board of Education, shall have power to pre- 
scribe from year to year a course of exercises and instructions appro- 
priate to the requirements of Arbor Day, which shall be adopted and 
observed by public school authorities. 

IMPORTANT DATES AND FACTS. 

1. The annual school meeting — third Monday in June. 

2. Fiscal school year begins third Monday in June; ends on day 
preceding. (This is the way the law is administered: Statute reads, 
"Begins on third Monday in June and ends on the last day of June"). 

3. Teacher's report due — at the close of her term of service or 
at end of school year. 

4. Clerks' report due — on or before 10th day of July following 
annual school meeting. 

5. County superintendents' report due — on or before fourth Mon- 
day in July. 

6. Arbor Day — second Friday in April. 

7. Special tax levy must be reported to county clerk before Jan- 
uary 1. 

8. School age — for drawing money, over 4 and under 20. For 
attending school, 6 to 21. 



42 



INDEX. 

Adoption of Text Books. 

State Text Book Commissioners — Appointed 30 

Meetings of Board of Commissioners 31 

Books — How Adopted 31 

Publishers' Proposals 31 

Report Adoptions to State Board Education 31 

Contracts Executed 32 

Depository and Bond 32 

Compensation of Commissioners and Secretary 32 

Adopted Books — Circular 32 

Special Sessions of Board 32 

District Directors May Adopt Text Books — When. 32 

Directors' Contract with Publishers 33 

Violations of Law by Teachers — Effect of 33 

Agricultural College of Oregon 37 

Arbor Day 42 

Boards and Commissions. 

Regular Boards 5 

Special Boards 6 

Board of Inspectors of Child Labor 

Duties , 40 

Bonds and Warrants 40 

Popular Loan 4 1 

Certification of Teachers. 

State Diploma 9 

State Certificate 9 

Papers from Other States 9 

State Permits 10 

Certificates for Special Subjects 10 

Percentages Credited 10 

Revocation 10 

Equivalents to Teaching Experience . .' 10 

County First Grade 11 

County Second Grade 11 

County Third Grade 12 

County Primary 12 

Certificates Issued — District First Class 12 

Temporary Certificates or Permit 13 

State Grades Accepted 13 

Consolidation of School Districts 33 

Property and Government 34 

Apportionment of Funds 34 

County Board of Examiners. 

Compensation 8 

Issue Certificates » • • 8 

Revoke Certificates 8 

43 



County School Superintendent. 

Term 1 

Qualifications 7 

Salary 7 

Vacancy 7 

Principal Duties 7 

Districts of First Class. 

Formed by Consolidating City Districts 26 

Formed by increase of Population 20 

Government 26 

Directors 26 

Clerk , 27 

Principal Duties of Board 27 

Indebtedness Limited 27 

Warrants 27 

Bids for Supplies 27 

Course of Study 27 

General Duties and Powers 27 

District School Boards. 

Powers 18 

Powers and Duties — General and Specific 18 

General Powers and Duties 18 

Duties 18 

Specific Powers and Duties 20 

Specific Powers and Duties Through Petition 20 

Penalties and Restriction 21 

District School Clerk 21 

Principal Duties 22 

Compensation 22 

Vacancies. 

How Made 23 

How Filled 23 

Eighth Grade Examination 34 

Employment of Children 39 

•Age and Schooling Certificate 40 

Holidays 25 

Important Dates and Facts .....'. 42 

Institute for Blind 38 

Oregon State Library Commission. 

Duties 35 

Officers 35 

Expenses 35 

Pupils 25 

44 



Secondary Education 28 

Grades Above the Eighth 28 

District High Schools — 28 

County High Schools 28 

Plan of Procedure 28 

Maintenance and Government . 29 

County High School Board 29 

Duties of Board 29 

Course of Study 29 

Diplomas 30 

Text Books 30 

Who May Be Teachers 30 

Free to What Pupils 30 

School Districts 13 

How Classified 13 

Officers 14 

District Boundary Board 14 

Duties 14 

New Districts — Plan of Procedure 14 

Number of Children to Organize and to Continue 15 

Districts — Change in Boundary 15 

Must Report ^ 15 

Changed Districts — -Government — Property 15 

Board of Arbitrators 15 

Compensation 16 

Right of Eminent Domain 16 

School for Deaf 38 

School Libraries 35 

School Meetings 16 

How Called 16 

Chairman of Meeting 16 

Election of Officers 16 

Power — District Meetings 17 

Qualifications of Voters 17 

School Month 25 

Sources of Income for School Purposes 38 

Funds — How Spent 39 

District Clerk Custodian 39 

Special Taxes 39 

State Board of Education. 

Meetings 6 

Powers 6 

45 



State Normal Schools 3G 

Monmouth 37 

Ashland and Drain 37 

Weston ......... mSm . 37 

Notes 37 

State Superintendent of Public Instruction 5 

Principal Duties '. . . . 5 

Teachers. 

Duties Enumerated 23 

Privileges and Penalties 24 

University of Oregon 37 



. 



40 






LEADING FACTS 



Oregon School Law 

1906 

AN OUTLINE AND SUMMARY 

ARRANGED FOR 

TEACHERS 



BY 



R. F. ROBINSON 

Superintendent of Schools 

Multnomah County, Oregon 



Published by the 

SCHOOL AND HOME PUBLISHING CO. 

Portland, Ore. 

[Copyrignt 1906, R. F. Robinson] 






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